Male sterilisation (vasectomy)
Male sterilisation (vasectomy)
What is a Sterilisation/Vasectomy?
Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is a procedure in which both the seminal ducts between the scrotum (testicles) and the prostate are cut or tied. After sterilisation, the men’s sperm cells no longer enter the semen, but are absorbed by the body. Male sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception and means that the man becomes infertile. In other words, the sterilisation is virtually irreversible. There are ways to remove the obstruction of the sperm ducts, but the chance of a reversal operation being successful is not that high. Sterilisation for men is thus only a good option if you are certain that you do not want any or anymore children.
Why a Sterilisation / Vasectomy?
It is a very patient-friendly procedure. And for the following reasons:
- A sterilisation / vasectomy is a minimal procedure that takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Male sterilisation is a very reliable form of contraception. The procedure does not give a 100% guarantee, but when sterilisation is carried out correctly, the chance of pregnancy is very small.
- It is important to note that male sterilisation does not affect your sexual life. You should not expect erection problems and above all normal ejaculation (ejaculation).
- Sterilisation has no effect on the male hormone in men.
Preparation for the sterilisation
- If you take blood thinners (Marcoumar, Sintrom mitis) and have regular check-ups at the thrombosis service, you need to consult the thrombosis service and either stop or adjust the medicines a few days before the vasectomy.
- Take the day of the procedure off. You may eat and drink before the procedure.
- Thoroughly shave your genitals and the area around your genitals on the evening before or the day of the procedure. This means all the hair on the scrotal sac (scrotum), the upper legs on both sides of the scrotum, and on the pubic bone around the penis.
- It is advisable to either wear or bring a tight pair of underwear or swimming trunks.
- Driving or cycling after the procedure is not recommended so please arrange transport home.
The sterilisation procedure for men - vasectomy
The male sterilisation procedure is done under local anaesthetic in our surgery in our polyclinic. Announce your arrival at the desk at the agreed time. The urologist will go through the procedure with you and get your permission for the treatment. You can undress in the room next to the surgery. Shirts and/or sweaters do not need to be removed. Lie on the examination table in the operating room. The urologist anaesthetises the operation area with two injections in the skin of the scrotal sac (right and left), or in the spermatic cord in the groin. Cuts are then made to reach the sperm ducts. The urologist removes a small piece of both vas deferens and ties the ends. The wounds are covered with gauze.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes. During the procedure, a feeling of tightness and pain, usually in the groin, may occur. This is because the sperm ducts run through the inguinal canals.
Post-procedure care for male sterilisation
It is advisable to wear either a tight pair of underwear or swimming trunks for the first 24 hours after the vasectomy. The area between the scrotal sac and the groin often feels painful after the anaesthetic has worn off. To help the healing process, it is advisable to suppress the pain by taking painkillers for the first two days and gradually reducing the painkillers. Do this by:
- taking two paracetamols of 500 mg four times a day (every six hours) for the first two days;
- taking paracetamol of 500 mg four times a day (every six hours) for the next two days;
- then stop taking painkillers. Only if you have pain, take two paracetamols of 500 mg.
To prevent bleeding, rest on the day of the procedure. After 24 hours you may remove the gauze on the wound and shower. The wound should then be sufficiently closed. If the gauze sticks to the wound, gently remove it in the shower. Dry the wound carefully after showering. Do not take a bath, cycle, do sports, swim or carry heavy weights for the first five days. You can return to work the day after the procedure, but avoid heavy work for the first few days. You can resume sexual intercourse after five days as long as the wound is sufficiently healed. You are not infertile immediately after the procedure so the use of contraception is still required until the semen has been examined and you have been proven infertile.
Fertility after male sterilisation
You are not infertile immediately after the procedure. Your semen will be checked in the hospital three months after the vasectomy. Before this, about 15 ejaculations should occur so that the sperm ducts and the prostate can discharge the remaining sperm cells. It is likely that just one check is enough. However, more checks may be needed to confirm that you are infertile.
You need to contact a conveniently located laboratory, through your general practitioner or directly, yourself for the sperm cell check. The semen to be used for the examination must not be older than two hours.
Costs of male sterilisation
If you would like more information about the costs of sterilisation, please phone Avisina.
Male sterilisation is not included in the basic health insurance package. You may thus have to pay for the treatment yourself. If you have a supplemental health insurance package, you may be able to claim the treatment from your health insurance company. If you wish to claim the treatment through your supplemental health insurance, you will need a referral from your general practitioner.
